Check it out Royal moves are yours for the making at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s “Knights in the Parks.” Michael Powell, a ranked player with the United States Chess Federation, will provide tips to help you on your checkmate journey. July 8 and 15 from 6-7 p.m. (July 16 at Gertrude Howes Playground in Roxbury). Free. Alvah Kittredge Park, 10 Linwood St., Roxbury. 617-635-4505. www.cityofboston.gov/news

A noble cause In middle school, Somerville artist Jodi Colella created one of her first pieces from flattened soda cans she found behind her house. That was the beginning for the mixed-media sculptor, who uses found and manufactured materials to celebrate the fusion of science and art. Colella’s work is on view at “The Nobility of Things.” Monday hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (through Nov. 3). $12, $10 students and seniors, $5 ages 5-13. Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. 978-456-3924. www.fruitlands.org

Night and day Robert Avakian shoots the landscape at dawn and at night, and the Edgartown photographer has said this about the latter: “Out at night, alone, the day’s cares recede and the sense of time fades. Allowing a heightened awareness to take over, I direct my attention to conveying the quiet and solitude of the night.” Let your cares recede at the South Shore Art Center exhibit. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun noon-4 p.m. through July 14. $5 suggested donation. South Shore Art Center, 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset. 781-383-2787. www.ssac.org

It’s all true Whether the sound comes from 13 members, 27, or the current roster of 22, The Polyphonic Spree delivers a sound to beat the band. Due out in August, “Yes, It’s True” uses a drum machine, and frontman Tim DeLaughter has said, “It’s really not a coincidence since drums were my first instrument as a kid. My first set was made out of Baskin Robbins empty containers.” 8 p.m. $20. Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Allston. 18+. 800-745-3000. www.livenation.com

TUESDAY

Bucking all odds Louisiana singer, accordionist, and organist Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr. and his Buckwheat Zydeco band won a Grammy in 2010 for their roots/blues album “Lay Your Burden Down,” which spreads the bayou gospel of meeting adversity head on with a party. The 2009 album was the band’s first recording since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. July 9 at 7:30 p.m. $25. Regattabar at the Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. 617-395-7757. www.regattabarjazz.com

Despicable he King Richard II is second to none with his despicable behavior of plotting his uncle’s murder, wasting public money, and ruling badly. Rocco Sisto plays the title character in “Richard II.” July 9 preview at 7:30 p.m. (through July 21). $15-$95 (discounts available). Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse, 70 Kemble St., Lenox. 413-637-3353. www.shakespeare.org